About the song
“The Great Pretender,” a timeless classic recorded by the Platters with Tony Williams on lead vocals, stands as a monumental achievement in the history of popular music. Penned by Buck Ram, the song was crafted in a remarkably brief 20 minutes, conceived in the washroom of the Flamingo Hotel. Ram, the Platters’ manager and producer, aimed to follow up the success of their hit “Only You (And You Alone)” with an equally captivating song. True to his word, “The Great Pretender” soared to the top of the charts upon its release in November 1955.
Buck Ram’s genius lay not just in his managerial prowess but also in his songwriting ability, which he demonstrated in this poignant exploration of pretense and vulnerability. The song’s narrative, coupled with Tony Williams’ emotive delivery, struck a chord with audiences worldwide, propelling it to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top 100 and securing a spot in music history.
The Platters’ rendition of “The Great Pretender” not only dominated the charts but also left an indelible mark on popular culture. The song’s success paved the way for numerous covers by acclaimed artists, including Freddie Mercury, whose version achieved notable success on the UK charts, and Sam Cooke, whose interpretation reportedly inspired Chrissie Hynde to name her iconic band, The Pretenders.
Beyond its commercial triumphs, “The Great Pretender” garnered critical acclaim and enduring popularity. In 2002, the Platters’ recording was rightfully inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, solidifying its status as a musical masterpiece. Its enduring legacy is further underscored by its inclusion in Rolling Stone’s prestigious list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2004, a testament to its enduring impact on the fabric of popular music.
From its humble origins in a Las Vegas hotel restroom to its ascension to global acclaim, “The Great Pretender” remains a quintessential example of the power of a well-crafted song to resonate across generations. Its exploration of themes of identity and emotion continues to captivate listeners, ensuring its place among the most beloved and influential songs in musical history.
Video
https://youtu.be/IEzfhclKO8Q
Lyrics
Oh-oh, yes, I’m the great pretender
Pretending that I’m doing well
My need is such, I pretend too much
I’m lonely, but no one can tell
Oh-oh, yes, I’m the great pretender
Adrift in a world of my own
I played the game but to my real shame
You’ve left me to grieve all alone
Too real is this feeling of make-believe
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Yes, I’m the great pretender
Just laughin’ and gay like a clown
I seem to be what I’m not, you see
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you’re still around
Too real is this feeling of make-believe
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)
Yes, I’m the great pretender
Just laughin’ and gay like a clown
I seem to be what I’m not, you see
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you’re still around
(Still around)